Merger and acquisition activity in the oil recycling industry is nearing
full throttle, best evidenced by the acquisitions of Thermo Fluids and
Safety-Kleen—each announced within the past six months. These
transactions underscore the health of the broad capital markets and,
more specifically, the liquid waste and recycling market and strategic
direction of the industry. Brown Gibbons Lang & Company, a boutique
middle market investment bank specializing in the environmental
services industry, will present its views on the current "state of the
industry,” including a review of recent transaction activity within the
used oil collections market and valuation metrics, which are suggestive
of a favorable M&A and capital markets environment in which to
pursue strategic opportunities.

NORA’s Chris Harris and Jack Waggener provide an executive summary of the status of the two largest government affairs projects facing NORA members. Harris will provide an update on NORA’s Lawsuit Against EPA’s Solid Waste Rule. Hear the latest about this important rule that has the potential to impact every collector and processor of on and off-spec used oil. Waggener will provide an update on the California Used Oil Life Cycle Assessment. The state is about halfway complete with this $6 million analysis of the used oil market. Learn where this project stands, where it is headed, and why it will ultimately affect every NORA member (regardless of location).

Are you considering buying a new location? Perhaps you are considering purchasing all or a portion of another company? Are you considering being purchased? Do you ship waste to another company, trusting that it will be managed appropriately? Environmental problems can be expensive, very expensive; not only in terms of dollars, but also in terms of time, reputation, and trust. The purpose of this session is to explore environmental due diligence, and how to prevent having another company’s problems become your problem. Both the fundamental (i.e., liability evaluation, audit, assessment, and quantification) and more advanced (i.e., insurance, compliance, CERCLA liability, financial mechanisms, and getting the deal done) elements of environmental due diligence will be explored. Finally, case studies of the "good, the bad, and the ugly” will be presented as examples.

Hydrogen is an essential raw material in various refinery and petrochemical processes. The optimal mode of hydrogen supply is dependent upon several factors including scale, location, use pattern, flow and purity requirements, and potential integration between the hydrogen supply system and other operations at the site. The presentation will give an overview of hydrogen production technologies and common applications for hydrogen within the refinery setting. Emphasis will be given on hydrogen supply systems for oil re-refining plants with a comparison of the economic and operational tradeoffs of the different modes of supply.

The International Used Oil Research Institute (IUORI) identifies, develops, and establishes best practices and best technologies for the used oil recycling industry. Dan is currently serving the industry as the president and founder of the non-profit private foundation that was founded in 1995. As the industry continues to mature, NORA members will seek new technologies and efficiencies in processing used oil to remain competitive. Dan will provide a report of the findings of the institute that may impact the way used oil is processed in the future.

*Note: For information from this presentation, please contact Dan Cowart at 251-479-1616.

It’s true that the results of the election may change the trajectory of the Affordable Care Act (also referred to as health care reform or ObamaCare). However, it’s also true that we won’t know the extent of the changes for some time. In the meantime, employers should understand and prepare for the "Pay or Play Rule” that generally requires "large” employers to provide a minimum level of health plan coverage to "full-time” employees or pay a penalty. Although this rule technically does not take effect until January 1, 2014, decisions employers make as early as the fourth quarter of 2012 can impact the coverage that is offered in 2014. Thus, employers should immediately start considering their health plan strategy. This presentation will keep employers "ahead of the curve” on how the new rules work.

The potential damage that can be caused by a disgruntled employee is enormous. This session will explore the appropriate strategies to secure intellectual property, customer lists and other trade secrets. Specifically, this session will address what type of policies and documents you should put in place now to protect your business in the future.